Robert meets his cousin, Elliot, when he moves from Ohio with his mother and sister to live out the war with his grandparents in Rhode Island. Elliot can draw better than anyone, but he keeps his talent hidden. It's 1942, and Nazi submarines are torpedoing U.S. ships off the coast. When two tremendous guns are trundled to nearby Fort Brooks, Elliot is frightened by the sight -- until he gets it down on paper. Also watching is another artist, a famous one, from Germany. A recluse, Abel Hoffman becomes Elliot's teacher and friend -- until local suspicions lead to his arrest . . .